Polly Johnson was named Wooster Community Hospital's patient navigator as a way to assist patients w

Sunday

Jul 29, 2012 at 4:00 AM

By STEVEN F. HUSZAI Staff Writer

WOOSTER -- As patients attempt to navigate through the complex medical system, at times it can be overwhelming for them, but also for caregivers and family.

Wooster Community Hospital recently adopted a solution for patients with chronic issues to meet their needs -- a patient navigator.

"The whole medical industry can be mind-boggling," said Polly Johnson, named as WCH's patient navigator in April. "I can help people find information and connect them with resources at the local, state, and federal levels."

The way a patient navigator works is patients with chronic diseases, such as cancer, but including others, come to Johnson for help navigating their options. Often patients come at the beginning of their diagnosis, but Johnson said patients or family can come anytime to get information.

For instance, Johnson helps patients with medication assistance, filing for disability, and their Medicare/Medicaid information. Additionally, she serves as the hospital's liaison to the Amish community, a growing segment of the hospital's business.

Johnson started out as a patient navigator for the American Cancer Society more than eight years ago in 2003. At the time, she specialized in cancer patients with the Cleveland Clinic at their Milltown oncology offices.

Since moving to the hospital, she has branched out to cover all chronic diseases. Her office is located on the ground level next to the auditorium for a nice, centralized location.

An article from a May/June 2005 issue of "Oncology Issues" helps provide an understanding of what this position does for patients.

"The patient navigator does not provide medical advice or give opinions regarding medical treatments or choice of health care provider," states the article. It lists the duties as listening to patients, helping them access information, connect them with support systems, and help patients navigate their treatment schedules.

"It's a benefit (being in the hospital) with easy access. I'm right inside the door and it's easy to find me and a neutral spot for the community," she mentioned. "And anyone can call or email me anytime."

And what sets the patient navigator role apart from the role of a doctor or physician, Johnson said, is she hears things from people they may not feel comfortable telling medical professionals.

"I've heard from people having issues with their rent or paying their bills," Johnson said, as her role can help make patients' treatment more personable.

"I've really learned how to listen and get them to tell me information they may not reveal to medical staff," said Johnson. "But I really like the one-on-one patient contact. It's very rewarding, but it can be heartbreaking."

"We are excited to have someone with Polly's experience here to help patients dealing with any chronic illness," David Rhoad, marketing and public relations manager said. "She is a community resource, and she and Susan (Van Sickle, oncology specialist) provide a wonderful team who any patient may contact for assistance in understanding and navigating their treatment. We want people to know they're here, available to help them."

For patients, family, friends, or caregivers searching for help with medical issues or concerns, Johnson can be reached by phone at 330-202-5162, or email, pjohnson@wchosp.org. Her office is located at the hospital main campus, 1761 Beall Avenue.

Reporter Steve Huszai can be reached at 330-287-1645 or shuszai@the-daily-record.com. He is @GeneralSmithie on Twitter.